Monday, 25 February 2019

MDC Alliance councillors last week took a swipe at
Marondera Central legislator Caston Matewu, accusing him of failing to honour
promises he made in the run-up to the July 30, 2018 elections.

Speaking during a full council meeting in Marondera last
week, the councillors said it was high time they stopped entertaining pledges
by the MDC Alliance legislator, as he was yet to fulfil some of the promises he
made last year.

Ward 5 councillor Misheck Manyere said council should
ignore the legislator’s pledges.

“I think it is high time that we stop expecting anything
from the pledges that were made. We were told of an ambulance and the issue of
the market, but they have not borne fruit. Last time we had a problem after
involving a politician in Elmswood and we are currently in a crisis,” he said.

In 2015, thousands of home-seekers parted with $1 500 after
Zanu PF promised them stands in Marondera’s Elmswood Farm during election
campaigns that saw Lawrence Katsiru emerging as the victor. However, the project is yet to
materialise four years later.

Contacted for comment, Matewu said he had not reneged on
his promises because he was following due process.

“It is a process that involves planning, drawing actual
plans, surveying authorisation and finally purchasing of material. We have
already started purchasing (material). Such a big project cannot be a sprint,
but a proper execution,” he said.

“No councillor has ever asked me on progress. I am surprised
that this was even mentioned in a full council meeting. The issue of the
ambulance, I never gave a timeline nor did

I put it in writing like all other projects. I said in
time, I will acquire an ambulance for them. Remember I am not even six months
into office, I have been consulting residents on a way forward and then
effective development can begin. The council needs to focus on service
delivery.” Newsday